While global politics is engrossed in the drums of war and the smell of gunpowder, Indian External Affairs Minister and diplomat S. Jaishankar has sounded a terrifying prophecy: a morsel of food vanishing from ordinary people's plates. The concerns he voiced from the stage of the Asia Society in New York are not merely political messages—they are a ruthless omen against the existence of humanity. Crushed in the vice grip of the war in Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East, the world now faces such a food crisis that parents will find themselves helpless to put food into their children's mouths.

The Dark Shadow of War and the Declining Pull in Agricultural Fields

Ukraine's grain fields are today covered in the smoke of gunpowder, and large grain-carrying vessels remain trapped in the waters of the Black Sea. Meanwhile, disrupted production in fertilizer factories across the Middle East and Russia has sparked an acute scarcity of fertilizer worldwide. Compounding this is the devastating blow of a "Super El Niño." Due to climate change and a lack of rain, golden crops in the fields are on the verge of withering. Jaishankar has identified this multi-faceted crisis of food, fuel, fertilizer, and finance as the "4Fs," the heaviest blows of which are falling upon the Global South, or developing nations. Whenever war escalates, elite capital flees to safe havens, leaving the plates of the poor completely empty. Preparations for World Leaders and Wealthy Nations: A Call for Humanity Over Pride

Ordinary people are paying the price for the lawless conflicts of the wealthy heads of state and superpowers who hold the steering wheel of the world. Their role in tackling this crisis must be of the highest responsibility:

• Halt the Arms Race and Invest in Food Security: Instead of wasting billions of dollars on warfare, those funds must be used to keep grain supply lines operational and support agriculture. • Keep Trade and Supply Chains Open: During times of crisis, refraining from imposing artificial barriers or bans on grain and fertilizer exports is essential. • Financial Cooperation with the Global South: Wealthy nations should provide low-interest loans and emergency funds to help developing countries cushion their economies against this global market shock.

Preparations for States and Policymakers: Time to Turn the Tide Immediately

There is no more time to sit idle. Policymakers in developing nations like ours must take immediate, long-term, and rigorous steps:

• Reduce Artificial Fertilizer Dependence and Expand Organic Alternatives: Dependence on imported fertilizers must be lowered by multiplying domestic organic fertilizer production. • Build Strong Food Reserves: To tackle any emergency, adequate stock must be secured in government food warehouses, and black-marketing or syndicates must be dealt with firmly. • Boost Local Crop Cultivation: Reliance on international markets must be reduced by emphasizing the production of native crops and rice suited to our local climate. Preparations for Ordinary People: The Armor of Waste Prevention and Awareness Alongside state systems, ordinary people must also prepare mentally and socially for these impending hard days:

• Stop Food Waste: Extreme awareness must be exercised so that not a single handful of food is wasted at weddings, social events, or in daily life.

• Adopt Alternative Diets and Rooftop Farming: Dependency on rice or any single primary food staple should be reduced in favor of alternative nutritious food habits. If possible, growing vegetables on rooftops or in courtyards can partially secure family nutrition.

• Mutual Cooperation in Crisis: A mindset of standing beside helpless neighbors and society must be cultivated so that these disaster-ridden days can be navigated through mutual support.

A food crisis is never confined to any specific border; it floods the entire world with the tears of starving people. If we fail to wake up before time runs out, the future generation will face a cursed famine. Let us prevent waste and prepare today to save our soil and our people.

Author: Dr. Abul Hasnat Milton, Journalist, Political Analyst, and Editor-in-Chief, The Source News Bangla